Study

Study Space Science

The Birkeland Centre’s primary objective is to try to understand the Earth’s relationship to space. To this end, BCSS has identified four areas of research:

Dynamics of the asymmetric geospace: When and why are the auroras in the two hemispheres asymmetric?

Theory and modeling: How does magnetic reconnection work?

Particle Precipitation: What are the effects of particle precipitation on the atmospheric system?

Gamma-ray Flashes: What is the role of energetic particles from thunderstorms in geospace?

PhD Program

The organization of Birkeland Centre – four groups with overlapping research interests – makes for a unique opportunity to study space science. The collaborative nature of BCSS, both inter-group and across three nodes (UiB, NTNU and UNIS), means that the doctoral student will be exposed to a wide-ranging spectrum of space science topics.

Phd candidates at the UiB are university employees. As projects and positions become available, they will be listed here.

Master’s Program

Whether you are planning to become a teacher in higher education, work in industry, or continue your studies to the doctoral level, a Master’s degree in space physics can be invaluable in helping you reach your career goals. You will be able to apply the skills you learn during your studies – programming, mathematical analysis, presentation skills – to a great many other areas.

Study in Svalbard

Doing a Master's or Phd at the Birkeland Centre gives you the opportunity to study on Svalbard. UNIS, the world's northernmost institution of higher learning, is namely one of the nodes of the Centre. Katie Herlingshaw, a Phd candidate in upper atmospheric physics, has this to say about Svalbard:

"I feel incredibly lucky being able to study here. What an amazing place!